ARETE ASSOCIATES — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N163-137

ARETE ASSOCIATES — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Defense.

Amount
$154,984
Agency
Department of Defense · Navy
Program / Phase
SBIR · Phase I
Topic
N163-137
Solicitation
2016.3
NAICS
Place of performance
CA
Period
2017-04-18 → 2017-10-16

Description

We propose to study and develop laser-based detection techniques, which will result in creation of a hand-held portable measurement system for the rapid detection of pyrrhotite in raw aggregate and hardened concrete in the field. Spectral characterization of pyrrhotite and related and associated minerals will be performed, and algorithms developed which process the data to provide high sensitivity detection and concentration analysis of pyrrhotite in aggregate samples. The detected chemical fingerprint of the various mineral species will be used to identify species. A conceptual model for a ruggedized, small, field ready instrument that utilizes these techniques will be described. As an option, that system will be designed in detail in preparation for a preliminary design review, prior to construction of a breadboard system for in-situ testing in Phase 2.